Sandy Springs, GA — In light of recent attacks on women’s reproductive freedom and alarming statistics on maternal health outcomes in America, Congresswoman Lucy McBath convened a maternal health roundtable today in her Sandy Springs district office. She was joined by Antrell Tyson, Regional Director for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region IV, staff from HHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care providers, and public health advocates.

“The United States has the worst rate of maternal death in the developed world, and my home state of Georgia has the second worst rate of maternal death in the country,” McBath said. “For black women in America, the rate of maternal mortality only increases. This is unacceptable. There is no reason that this should be a reality in the richest nation on earth. I am grateful to Regional Director Tyson and all the advocates, providers, and public servants who joined my office today to discuss this crisis and explore the ways in which we all can provide better outcomes for mothers and their children.”  

“Maternal health is a major priority for the Biden-Harris Administration,” said HHS Region IV Director Tyson. “This critical roundtable convened by Congresswoman McBath has created a great deal of synergy with a host of key partners and we are looking forward to convening several follow-up meetings based on this essential conversation, as well as taking back information to headquarters that will help inform HHS policy moving forward.”

In Congress, McBath is a champion of the Momnibus, comprehensive legislation that will help fund critical services and research needed to save the lives of American mothers. The Momnibus includes McBath’s bill, the Social Determinants for Moms Act. This legislation will marshal all the resources of the federal government to ensure the United States is taking a holistic approach to the health of mothers and their babies.